Occupational balance in parents of preterm infants

Background: Occupational balance is defined as an individual’s positive evaluation of the amount and mixture of occupations (Wagman et al., 2012). However, definitions of occupational balance mainly include the perspectives... [ view full abstract ]

Background: Occupational balance is defined as an individual’s positive evaluation of the amount and mixture of occupations (Wagman et al., 2012). However, definitions of occupational balance mainly include the perspectives of occupational therapists. Few studies explored occupational balance in parents, none in parents of preterm infants. Thus, the study aimed to identify components of occupational balance meaningful to parents of preterm infants.
Method: Based on a qualitative research design, focus groups were conducted with parents of preterm infants with very low birth weight. The time point of the interview was until 6 months past preterm birth. The focus group interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed with a qualitative content Analysis method.
Results: Three dimensions of occupational balance were found to be important to a total of 36 parents of preterm infants, 18 mothers and fathers, each: a variety of occupations, an occupational adaptation to changed life circumstances and the perceived socio-cultural context of occupations. These dimensions encompassed 14 components. For example, the dimension a variety of occupations included 7 components such as a variety of different occupational areas; levels of demands; structuring, importance and effects of occupations, and places where occupations occur, as well as a variety of self- and other determined occupations.
Conclusion: The three identified dimensions of occupational balance add further evidence on the multidimensionality of this construct.
Application to Practice: The identified components of occupational balance should be considered in the treatment and measure of occupational balance in parents of preterm infants.